Indianapolis – The 2022 NFL Free Agency bonanza has kicked off and after an offseason where Colts GM Chris Ballard agreed that the offense needed more playmakers and the defensive line needed work, the Colts have been on the sideline.
After the official tampering period for the NFL opened up at 12:00 ET on Monday, a flurry of agreements were reported.
Washington Pro-Bowl guard Brandon Scherff intends to sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2022
Sources: The #Chargers are expected to sign former #Patriots star CB JC Jackson to a big money deal.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2022
The Jaguars’ spending spree today (so far):
WR Christian Kirk: 4-years, $72M ($84M max)
LB Foye Olukon: 3-years, $45M
NT Foley Fatukasi: 3-years, $30M
G Brandon Scherff: TBD but definitely a ton of money
TE Evan Engram: 1-year, $10M max
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 14, 2022
Even though Ballard’s philosophy of avoiding big spending in free agency is well known by Colts fans, the high end talent at positions of need gave them hope that this year would be different. A tweet by The Athletics’ Zak Keefer put a quick damper on what many hoped would be an exciting day.
Vibe I’ve gotten: Colts’ free agent approach won’t change drastically despite some pressing needs this year. Doesn’t mean they won’t take a big swing at some point, but I get the sense they’re gonna be patient and feel out the market before they do.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) March 14, 2022
Even Colts Pro Bowl CB Kenny Moore seemed to becoming impatient with the lack of movement from his team.
tick tock..
— Kenny Moore II (@KennyKennyMoe3) March 14, 2022
107.5 The Fan afternoon host JMV has had enough, and explained why the Colts need to make some moves in free agency if they want to build this team to become a Super Bowl contender:
“Sometimes you just need to take a swing because you don’t have anything else. Unless, you’re just gonna bag next year. You bagging next year in a rebuild? Don’t give me that same ole “the chips are in” and whether or not Jim Irsay meant it that way can be debated but that’s how fans took it…At some point you get off your nest of cap space, you stop storing all these nuts in the wintertime like a stinkin squirrel and bring some guys in that can help you.”
Day 1 of free agency hasn’t gone like Colts fans imagined but with plenty of impact free agents still available at positions like WR, LT, and DE, it’s time for Chris Ballard to be more pro active in acquiring talent.
To hear more about the 1st day of free agency and why the Colts not being in the sweepstakes for WR Amari Cooper was a source of frustration for JMV, take a listen to the podcast below or listen live from 3-6 ET every afternoon on 107.5 & 93.5 The Fan!
